Magazine phonograph



sept- 1942- F. J. OFFEN 2,297,014

MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH Filed May 7, 1941 13 Sheets-Sheet l [4, ATTORNEY.

Sept. 29, 1942. F. J. OFFEN 2,297,014

MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH Filed May 7, 1941 13 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

BY M 74 1 Sept. 29, 1942. F J OFFEN 2,297,014

MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH Filed May 7, 1941 13 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sept. 29, 1942.

F. J. OFFEN Filed May '7,v 1941 MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH 15 Sheets-Sheet 4 F'ICiBW Sept. 29, 1942. QFFEN 7 2,297,014

MAGAZ INE PHONOGRAPH Filed May '7, 1941 15 Sheets-Sheet 5 Sept. 29, 1942. F, J, OFFEN MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH Fi led My 7, 1941 15 Sheets-Sheet e FIG.I3.

1N VENTOR.

Sept. 29, 1942.

ATTORNEY.

I INVENTOR. BY 6 y Z Q FIG.I4.

Sept. 29, 1942. F. J. OFFEN MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH 13 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed May 7} 1941 Sept. 29, 1942. F. J. OFFEN 2,297,014

MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH Filed May '7, 1941 13 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOR.

F! (5.18. BY

Sept. 29, 1942 J OFFEN 2,297,014

MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH Filed May 7, 1941 13 Sheets-Sheet 1O aFF I NVENTOR.

Sept. 29, 1942. F. J. OFFEN MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH Filed May 7, 1941 15 Sheets- Sheet 11 A ATTORNEY.

Sept. 29, 1942.

F. J. OFFEN 2,297,014

- MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH Filed May 7, 1941' I 13 Sheets-Sheet l2 INVENTOR.

J ATTORNEY.

septa 1942- F. J. OFFEN MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH Filed May 7, 1941 15 Sheets-Sheet l5 INVENTOR.

1&0. ATTORNEY.

Patented Sept. 29, 1942 MAGAZINE PHONOGRAPH Francis John Often, Swindon, England, assignor to The Garrard Engineering & Manufacturing Company, Limited, Swindon, England, a corporation of Great Britain Application May 7, 1941, Serial No. 392,200

19 Claims.

In accordance with the system of the invention a plurality of records are automatically played in a predetermined sequence. The records are manually assembled in a record magazine, where they are held in spaced relationship. The magazine includes a number of vanes which can be individually swung clear of the edge of the records, to successively drop the records onto the turntable.

In order to start the record changing cycle, a switch is manually closed which starts the motor which rotates the turntable. A second motor operates the record changing mechanism. A record is dropped from the record magazine onto the turntable, and the pick-up arm is properly positioned on the marginal edge of the record. To correctly position the pick-up arm on the edge of the record regardless of its diameter, the size of the record is determined by a selector mechanism that includes a feeler arm. The feeler arm is swung againstthe record on the turntable. The pick-up arm is then lowered onto the record, and the playing thereof starts.

When the record has been played, the pickup arm is automatically swung clear of the record and held in an inoperative position. The record is then lifted a short distance from the turntable by two elevators. A record reversing arm swings below the lifted record and grips it with gripping elements. The record reversing arm is then swung above a storage receptacle, and is turned about its axis to reverse the record. The record reversing arm then returns to a position above the turntable, and drops the record onto the turntable. Playing of the reverse side of the record then starts in the manner described. When the playing is finished, the pickup arm is again swung back to its inoperative position. The record is again lifted by the record reversing arm and deposited in the storage receptacle.

It is one of the objects of this invention to provide an improved mechanism for automatic delivery of disc records one at a time from a stack formation in a storage position onto a turntable in playing position, wherein each record is sequentially delivered from the underside of the stack of records.

Specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide a mechanism for automatically delivering records of mixed diameter from a stack formation in a storage position onto the tumtable by a series of operatively associated supports and carriers actuable in sequence and operable on the lowermost record of the stack of I records to deliver such record from the stack to the turntable.

These and other advantages, capabilities, and features of the invention will appear from the subjoined detailed description of one specific embodiment therefor, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a view in perspective of an embodiment of a phonograph in accordance with the invention, in a condition where the last record has been disposed of.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the phonograph mechanism, particularly showing a series of cams used to operate the tone arm, record magazine, and record reversing arm.

Figure 3 is a view in perspective, with some parts broken away, showing the record magazine and associated record shifting mechanism.

Figure 4 is a view in perspective of a detail of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5--5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a longitudinal section taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a vertical section taken on line l-! of Figure 2 illustrating the record magazine in readiness to drop the lowermost record.

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure '7 illustrating the record magazine in a position with the lowermost record dropped on two raised elevators.

Figures 9, l0 and 11 are views similar to Figure '7 showing other positions of the record changing mechanism.

Figures 12 and 13 are top plan views respectively corresponding to Figures 9 and 10.

Figure 14 is a top plan view of the phonograph mechanisms as seen with the turntable and motorboard removed, the mechanism being in the stationary position.

Figure 15 is a top plan View similar to Figure 14, with some parts broken away, showing the position of the mechanism when both the turntable and record changing mechanism start simultaneously.

Figure 16 is a top plan view similar to Figure 14, showing the record changing mechanism at a stand-still and the starting of record playing.

Figure 17 is a top plan view similar to Figure 14, wherein the tone arm has moved over a record and the record changing mechanism has been started automatically.

Figure 18 is a top plan view similar to Figure 14, illustrating the me hanism in the position after the last record has been played, and the shut-clown control rendered operative to disconnect the system.

Figure 19 is a top plan view similar to Figure 14, showing the position of the mechanism corresponding to when only one side of the record is to be played.

Figure 20 is a view in perspective, with some parts broken away, illustrating the pick-up arm and the cam for controlling its movements.

Figure 21 is a detail-view 01 a portion of the pick-up arm mechanism of Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a top plan view of the phonograph, with some parts broken away, showing the knobs for selectively controlling the various operations of the system.

Figure 23 is an enlarged side view, similar to a part of Figure 2, showing details.

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 2424 of Figure 23, particularly showing the cam clutch.

Figure 25 is a view in perspective of the shutdown arm and its associated operating mechanism.

Figure 26 is a view in perspective of the record reversing arm, and the cams controlling its movements.

Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of a detail, taken along the line 21-21 of Figure 26.

Figure 28 is an enlarged plan view as taken from the rear of the record reversing arm, illustrating its gripping members.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figures 1 and 2, the phonograph is seen to comprise a pick-up arm 30 which rests on post 3| when not in use. Pick-up arm 30 is arranged above motor-board 32. A spindle 34 extends therefrom for centering the records thereon. The records are stacked in magazine 35 having a plurality of spaced vanes 36. The records are held centrally above turntable 33 by centering spindle 31 mounted in sleeve 38 on arm 40. Arm 40 is mounted on motor-board 32. Centering spindle 31 has an actuating knob 4| and may be pulled out from sleeve 38.

Record reversing arm 42 is rotatably mounted in sleeve 43 projecting laterally from the upper end of vertical casing 44. Casing 44 is rotatably mounted in motor-board 32. Record reversing arm 42 has a lateral extension 45 to provide an extended supporting surface to prevent the tilting of an engaged record. The rear surface of reversing arm 42 is provided with gripping pins 46 for engaging the central aperture of a record. Two elevators 41 and 48 serve to lift and lower the record on turntable 33. A record supporting arm 56 is arranged above turntable 33 for supporting the stack of records arranged with vanes 36.

A feeler arm is rotatably mounted so that its roller 52 may engage the edge of a record positioned on-the turntable. Feeler arm 5| serves to detect the size of the record on turntable 33. As will be explained in detail hereinafter, a shutdown arm 53 is mounted so that its free end may engage with the edge of the lowermost record on vanes 36. When there is no record in magazine 35, the rotation of shut-down arm 53 is not interfered with, thus causing opening of the motor switches, and stopping of the system after the last record has played. Operating knobs 54, 55, 56 and 5'! are mounted on motor-board 32 for selectively operating the phonograph, as will be explained hereinafter.

The various cams that operate the phonograph system are illustrated in elevation in Figures 2 and 23. Shaft 60 is driven by the record changing motor through reduction gearing indicated at 6|. Pinion 62 is driven by the reduction gearing, and in turn drives gear 63 secured to shaft 60. The other end of shaft 60 is provided with a small gear 64 driving pinion 65 secured to stub shaft 66. A group of cams, generally indicated at 61, are secured to stub shaft 66. Cams 6! operate pick-up arm 30, feeler arm 5|, and a master switch to be described hereinafter.

As long as the changer motor rotates, it will drive cams 61 through gears 62, 63 and 64, 65. Cam sleeve 69 embraces driving cam shaft 66 and may be coupled thereto by clutch 265. The cam group indicated at 10 is secured to cam sleeve 68. Cams l0 serve to control the movements of the parts associated with the record changing mechanism. The ratio of gears 62, 63 and 64, 65 is arranged so that cams 61 make two revolutions per cycle, while cam group 10 makes one revolution per cycle.

Vane control mechanism The records are dropped one by one from magazine 35 to turntable 33, by swinging of the lowermost vane 36 clear of the edge of the record positioned thereon. Details of the control mechanism for the vanes 36 are shown particularly in Figs. 3 to 6 in conjunction with Fig. 1. The vane control mechanism is an improvement on the construction shown in U. S. Patent 2,188,769 to Downs.

The records R, which may be of mixed diameter, such as 10" and 12" records, are supported above the turntable by a series of vanes 36 situated at one side of the turntable. Vanes 36 engage the edges of the records and in conjunction with support arm 50 retain them above turntable 33. Support arm 50 is operated by one of the cams 10 shown in Figs. 3 and 23, in a manner to be described hereinafter. Vanes 36 and support arm 56 are operated in a manner to release the records One at a time onto movable elevators 41 and 48 at diametrically opposite sides of turntable 33. Elevators 4! and 48 then lower the released record onto the turntable.

Before the lowermost record is released, elevator 4! is moved upwards, lifting the series of records off support arm 56, which is then swung clear of the record edge. The lowermost record is then released by the lateral movement of the lowermost of the vanes 36 supporting such record, the record thus tilting and falling onto elevator 48 which has been moved up to receive it. As each record is released from its storage position, the remaining records are moved downwards a sufficient distance to bring the next vane, which becomes the lowest of the series, into position to be swung laterally for release of another record.

The lateral movement of each vane is effected by rotatable sleeve 14 which is rotated by cam 15. Vane cam I5 is secured to cam sleeve 68, being freely rotatable on driving shaft 60. Rotatable sleeve 14 embraces column 16 on which vanes 36 are mounted to be rotated individually and independently of each other. The downward movement of the series of vanes is effected by causing column 16 to move downwards step by step. Towards this end, column 16 is slidable vertically, and is retained in its upper position by engagement between the lowermost vane of the series and the upper portion of sleeve 14. When the lowermost vane is turned out of its supporting position, column 16 moved downwards until the next vane engages sleeve 14, and so on throughout the series.

Each vane 36 has a projection 11. Projection 11 on the lowermost vane rests on ledge 78, forming a portion of the cam surface of sleeve 14. When sleeve 14 is rotated in a clockwise direction, projection 11 on the lowermost vane 36 presses & HtPHUll-Ui iiii Search Room against ledge 18 and is accordingly rotated until it assumes a position at right angles to its record supporting position. At the same time cam surface 80 on sleeve 14 supports the lowermost vane in its previous position. When sleeve 14 is swung back in a counter-clockwise direction, the lowermost vane slides along cam surface 80 until its projection 11 drops onto ledge 18. To counteract any shock or noise which may result when the lowermost vane falls onto ledge 18, the ledge may contain a suitable buifer (not shown) of resilient material.

There is provided means to prevent the vanes other than the lowest vane in the series from being moved out of alignment while the records are placed thereon. A vertical pillar 8| is placed adjacent the vanes. Pillar 8| has cut-away portions 82. Normally, the projections 11 on vanes 36 are in alignment with the teeth formed by the cut-away portions 82 vertical pillar 8 I. However, only projection 11 in the lowermost vane is free to rotate when sleeve 14 is rotated.

Sleeve 14 is automatically rotated by vane cam 15. For this purpose pinion 83, secured to the lower end of sleeve 14, meshes with rack 84 reciprocatably mounted at the end of lever 85. Lever 85 is pivoted intermediate its end at 88, its lower end having a biasing spring 81. Lever 85, integral with cam follower 88, is rotated in a counterclockwise direction when cam 15 rotates, against the action of biasing spring 81. Rotation of cam follower 88 in a counterclockwise direction causes a displacement of rack 84 to the left (Fig. 3) causing sleeve 14 to rotate in a clockwise direction. The efiect is to rotate lowermost vane 38, 90 into its inoperative position. Rack 84 returns to its previous position under the influence of biasing spring 81, which in turn causes sleeve 14 to rotate counterclockwise and to bring the vane which is then the lowest one in engagement with ledge 18 of sleeve 14.

When all the records have been played, vanes 36 may be lifted by actuating knob 90. To return the vanes to their normal record retaining position, knob 90 is rotated causing the vanes to engage pillar 8|. This insures correct alignment of all the vanes for loading. The lower end of column 16 has a ratchet wheel 9| secured thereon. Ratchet wheel 9| is engaged by pawl 92. Spring 93 presses pawl 92 against wheel 9|. Pawl 92 is pivoted to plate 94. Plate 94 has a forked end 95 embracing a rod 86. When column 16 is moved downwardly due to the rotation of vanes 36, plate 94 is slid along rod 98 to prevent rotation thereof. Pawl 92 engaging ratchet wheel 9| prevents rotation of knob 90 in the clockwise direction.

Record changing and reversing operation The mechanism for changing and reversing the records will now be described, particularly in connection with Figures '1 to 13. This mechanism embodies improvements over that of copending application, Serial No. 251,297, filed January 1'7, 1939, in the showing of the detailed structure of improved operative means for actuating the associated elements of said co-pending application, and of which this application is a continuation in part.

Record magazine 35 is shown in Figure '1 in readiness for dropping the lowermost record. A plurality of records R are stacked on vanes 38, being centered above turntable 33 by spindle 31. Record support arm 50 is swung clear of the edges of the records, and elevator 41 is raised to support the free edges of the records. Elevator 41 is connected with lever I00 by rod IOI slidably mounted in bearing I02. Lever I00 is pivoted at I03. The end portion I04 of lever I00 rides over cam I05, being secured to cam sleeve 68. The up-and-down movements of elevator 48 are controlled by lever I08. Lever I08 is slidably mounted in bearing I08 pivotally connected with rod I01. Lever I06 is pivoted at I I0 and has a roller III which rides over cam H2. Elevator cam H2 is also fixed on cam sleeve 68.

When elevator 41 has been lifted to the position as shown in Figure 7, the lowermost vane 38 swings clear of the edge of the record deposited thereon, as explained hereinabove. In the meantime elevator 48 has been lifted a predetermined distance. The lowermost record R; drops onto elevator 48, as shown in Figure 8. In the position of Figure 8, the lowermost vane 38 has not been moved down, since sleeve 14 has not yet returned to its inoperative position. Record support arm 50 then swings back to its record supporting position, to support the remaining records, as shown in Figure 9. Elevators 41 and 48 are then lowered, by the action of cams I05 and H2, to their lowermost position, as shown in Figure 9. The dropped record is in position on turntable 33. Pick-up arm 30 is then automatically moved on the marginal edge of the record on turntable 33, as will be described.

In the position shown in Figures 9 and 12, the mechanism is ready to play one side of the record on turntable 33. It will be observed that record support arm 50 is positioned below the records in the magazine. 0n the other hand, record reversing arm 42 is above receptacle H3 by which the played records are deposited.

After the positioned record has been played, the record changing mechanism is automatically set in operation, as will be explained in detail hereinafter. Elevators 41 and 48 are lifted to the position shown in solid lines in Figure 10. Record reversing arm 42 is swung below the lifted record, as shown in Figures 10 and 13. Elevators 41 and 48 are then moved down, to deposit the record on record reversing arm 42. The gripping mechanism 46 of arm 42 engages the center of the record, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 10.

Record recersing arm 42 holding the record is then swung to a position above receptacle H3. Arm 42 is then turned about its axis by so that the reverse side of the record will be placed in a position for playing. Record reversing arm 42 is returned to the position above turntable 33, as shown in Figure 11. The record is on the under side of arm 42. When gripping mechanism 48 is released, the record is dropped into proper playing position on turntable 33. Elevators 41 and 48 remain in their lowermost position.

Record reversing arm 42 remains above turntable 33 during the playing of the rel rd. After playing of the record, elevators 41 and 48 arelifted to bring the record to a position just below the record reversing arm 42. The record is then gripped by mechanism 48. Arm 42 is thereupon swung above deceptacle H3 and actuated to release the record. At this stage, the mechanism is again in the position of Figure 7, when the next record is lowered onto turntable 33, to start the cycle.

Operation of the record reversing arm Record reversing arm 42 is rotated 180 about its axis within spindle 43 for reversing the record it carries. Reference is now made to Figure 26. The rotation is imparted to arm 42 by rack H6 secured to the upper end of vertical pull-rod II1 meshing with pinion H5. Pinion H5 is secured to the end of arm 42. Rack H6 is reciprocated a sufficient distance by pull-rod H1, to completely turn over arm 42 by one movement of the rack, and back again in the opposite movement. The vertical movement of pull rod H1 is obtained through a further rack and pin. A rack H8 embraces sleeve I20, and is slidable thereon. Rack H8 meshes with pinion I2I secured to shaft I22. Rack H8 bears plate I23 on which pull-rod H1 is mounted. Spring I25 bears against a shoulder on pull-rod H1, and against plate I23.

The oscillating movement of a record reversing arm 42 is derived by a corresponding rotary movement of the casing 44 secured to sleeve 43. For this purpose casing 44 has a depending sleeve I20. A pinion I3I secured to sleeve I20 meshes with a rack I32. The reciprocatory movement of rack I32 is secured by crank lever I33 attached to shaft I34. Crank lever I35 is secured to shaft I 34, and engages with cam groove I36 of cam I31. Cam I31 is also secured to cam sleeve 68 and rotates in unison with cam I30. Figure 27 is a detail cross-sectional view through cam I31. Cranklever I33 is not rigidly connected with rack I20, but is slidable thereon. The rocking movement of crank lever I33 is transmitted to rack I32 by spring I38 and I40, to insure a smooth oscillating movement by record reversing arm 42. It will now be evident that rotation of cam I31 rocks crank lever I35, which in turn rocks crank lever I33. Rack I32 is thus displaced to the left or to the right, which in turn causes a corresponding rotation of casing 44.

Each record is adapted to be gripped by grippers 45 which engage with the central hole of the records. Grippers 46 comprise two segmental portions I 4|, I 42 shown in detail in Figure 28. Segmental portions I4I, I42 are disposed centrally on the outer end of record reversing arm 42. and project therefrom. Segmental portions I4I, I42 are movable towards and away from each other, effecting the contraction and expansion action of the grippers for the records. Segmental portions I4I, I42 are mounted on recrd reversing arm 42 at I45. Spring I46 embraces levers !43, I44 tending to pull them together.

When tapered end I41 of sliding shaft I48 is displaced to the right, segmental portions I4I, I42 are forced apart as seen in Figure 28. When sliding shaft I48 is moved to the left, spring I46 pulls segmental portions I4I, I42 together for the record releasing position. The rear end of sliding shaft I48 has a head I50 which engages with bell crank lever II. Bell crank I5I is aperated the the upper end of a vertically slidable pull rod I52 which reciprocates within vertical sleeve I20. Slidable pull rod I52 is operated by crank I53 secured to one end of shaft I54. The other end of shaft I54 bears another crank I55 which is engaged by projection I56 on lever I51 pivoted intermediate its length at I58. The free end of lever I51 is engaged by projections I60 on cam I6I secured to cam sleeve 68.

When cam I6I rotates in unison with cams I30 and I 31, its projections I60 rock lever I51 in a clockwise direction. The rocking movement of lever I51 causes rotation of shaft I54 in a counter-clockwise direction, which in turn lifts pull rod I52 through crank I53. When pull rod I52 moves upwards, it rocks bell crank lever I5 I, causing a movement of sliding shaft I48 towards the left. The movement of sliding shaft I48 in the opposite direction is obtained by a spring, not shown in the drawings.

Pick-up arm control mechanism The mechanism for controlling pick-up arm 30 is shown particularly in Figures 20 and 21. The pick-up control mechanism operates to swing the pick-up arm to a position above the marginal roove of the record on turntable 33, and to then lower it onto the record. When the playing of the record is finished, the pick-up arm is lifted from the playing surface and swung clear of the record to its non-playing position. A selector is combined with the pick-up arm control mechanism so that records of different diameters may be played in any desired order. The selector operates to correctly position the pick-up arm in accordance with the size of the record to be played.

Pick-up arm 30 is mounted on the upper end of vertical sleeve I65. The pick-up arm is so mounted that it is capable of a swinging movement in a horizontal plane into and out of playing position, while remaining free to pivot about its rear end so that the forward end of pick-up arm 30 may be raised and lowered vertically from the record playing surface. The vertical movement of pick-up arm 30 is obtained by a vertical shaft I66 passing through sleeve I65. The upper end of shaft I66 is connected to the rear end of pick-up arm 30. Its lower end projects below motor board 32 where it is connected with plate I61. The vertical raising of pick-up arm 30 is secured by imparting a vertical downward movement to shaft I66. The pick-up arm is lowered onto the record playing surface by gravity, by permitting shaft I66 to move freely upwards after it has been previously depressed.

The downward movement of shaft I66 is obtained through pivoted rocking lever I68. One end of rocking lever I 68 has a fork I 10 which engages circular plate I61 secured to the lower end of shaft I66. Rocking lever I68 is oscillated about its pivot I1I by means of cam I12. Cam I 12 is secured to stub shaft 66 mentioned previously. When the rear end of rocking lever I68 is lifted by cam I12, its forked end I10 is depressed and thereby moves plate I61 downwards. This causes the forward end of pick-up arm 30 to lift off the surface of the record.

Continued rotation of cam I12 releases the downward pressure of forked end I10 of rocking lever I68 from plate I61. This permits the outer end of pick-up arm 30 to move downwards and raise vertical shaft I66 to its upper position in readiness for the next downward movement. Fork I10 of rocking lever I68 is provided with friction pads I13 bearing against circular plate I61. Friction pads I13 hold circular plate I61 against any rotary movement of pick-up arm 30 in its raised position.

The rotary motion of sleeve I65 is obtained by imparting a turning movement to arm I 14 secured to the lower end of sleeve I65. Arm I14 is turned in a clockwise direction when it is desired to swing pick-up-arm 30 inwards or towards its playing position. Rotation of arm I14 in a counterclockwise direction swings pick-up arm 30 inwards or away from its playing position.

The turning movements of arm I14 are obtained from lever I15 mounted substantially at right diritt' rwinp Search Room angles to arm I 14. Lever I is operated from cam I18, shown particularly in Figures 2 and 23. Lever I15 has a projection I11 engaging pins I18 and I88 on arm I14. To turn arm I14 in a clockwise direction, lever |15 is moved to the right. During this movement of lever I15, its projection I11 engages pin I18 on arm I14, thereby causing the arm to turn. Movement of lever I15 in the opposite direction causes the other pin I88 to engage with projection I11, so that arm I14 rotates in a counterclockwise direction.

As it is essential that the pick-up arm be free to move across th playing surface'of the record during playing, lever I15 is moved to a neutral position wherein arm I14 is free to move unobstructed between the positions predetermined by spaced pins I18 and I88. Arm |8| is also secured to the lower end of sleeve I85, and has a projecting pin I82 engaging with ring I83 pivoted at I84. Thus, when tone arm 38 is moved inwards during playing of a record, its rotary motion is transmitted to ring I83 for a purpose to be explained hereinafter.

Tone arm positioning for diflerent sized records The selector for correctly positioning the tone arm is controlled by feeler arm 5|, shown particularly in Figures 14 to 19, and Figure 22. The feeler arm is mounted on the upper end of vertical spindle I85, which in turn is rotatably mounted in motor-board 32. Feeler arm 5| is at a height above motor-board 32 so as to be in alignment with the edge of a record in playing position on turntable 33. Feeler arm 5| normally rests clear of the record edge.

When a record has been placed on the turntable, spindle I85 is rotated to cause feeler arm 5| to move inwards towards the edge of a positioned record. The inward movement of feeler arm 5| is interrupted when it contacts with the record edge. Arm 5| remains at the edge until pick-up arm 38 is lowered onto the record playing surface. Feeler arm 5| is thereupon moved to its outward position by cam I88. Cam I88 is secured to stub shaft 88. During its rotation, cam I88 engages with the outer end of crank I81 attached to the lower end of vertical spindle I85 projecting below motor-board 32.

The inward movement of pick-up arm 38 varies for records of different diameter. The varied inward movement of pick-up arm 38 is efiected by an arm I88 secured to vertical spindle I85 with two pins I98 and I9I. During the counterclockwise rotation of arm I88 either pin I98 or I9I engages with stop I92 on arm I14, which has been moved into the path of movement of pins I98 or I9I by the rotation of vertical spindle I85, as shown in Figure 15. A stop I92 is provided on the outer end of arm I14. Since pins I98 and I9I are carried on the outer end of lever I88, they move upon rotation of vertical spindle I85.

Spindle I85 is rotated until feeler arm 5| fixed thereon engages with the edge of a positioned record. Either pin I98 or I9I will then be in the path of travel of stop I92. Pin I98 will be brought into engagement with stop I92 when a 12" record is positioned on turntable 33, pin I9I corresponding to a 10" record. When spindle I65 is rotated to move pick-up arm 38 inwards, arm I14 will also be rotated until its stop I92 engages with one of the pins I98 or I9I, preventing further inward movement of the pick-up arm.

When the pick-up arm has been lowered onto the record on turntable 33, cam I88 engages'and turns crank I 81, whereupon spindle I rotates in a clockwise direction. Feeler arm 5| is consequently moved away from the playing position. Accordingly, lever I88 is also turned in a clockwise direction, thereby effecting disengagement between either pin I98 or I9I on arm I88 and stop I92. Pick-up arm 38 is now free to move across the record surface in playing.

The position of the first sound groove near the marginal edge of a record varies on different records of even the same diameter. Pins I98 and I9I accordinglyare so arranged that the normal inward movement of pick-up arm 38 terminates at a point where the needle of the pickup is approximately midway between the edge of the record and the first playing groove on the plain marginal portion of the record. The final inward movement of the pick-up arm 38 to engage the sound track is efiected as feeler arm 5| is moved to its outward position.

This final movement is imparted to pick-up arm 38 by pivotally mounted bias lever I93 controlled by spring I94, shown clearly in Figure 21. Bias lever I93 is mounted on the outer end of lever I14 and has an abutment I94 which projects upward from the lever. Abutment I94 is so arranged in relation to stop I92 that, as the stop moves out of engagement with pins I 98 and I9I on arm I88, abutment I94 engages one of the pins I98 or ISI. This causes lever I14 to turn in a clockwise direction until the needle of the pick-up reaches the first sound groove. Frictional resistance is thereupon set up by the engagement of the pick-up needle with the sound track groove, causing bias lever I93 to turn about its pivot in a clockwise direction against the action of spring I94. Continued movement of lever I88 causes abutment I94 to disengage from pin I98 or I9I, and release pick-up arm 38. Pick-up arm 38 consequently is free to move to the end of the sound track on the record.

Motor control switch mechanism In the phonograph of the invention two motors are employed, one driving the turntable and the other the record changing mechanism. The two motors, not shown in the drawings, are controlled by two independent switches, seen in Figures 14 to 19 and 22. Master switch 288 controls the stopping and starting of both motors. Switch 28I controls the motor driving the record changing mechanism. The on and of! positions of switches 288 and MI are indicated on the drawings. Master switch 288 is closed manually when it is desired to play a series of records. When master switch 288 is closed, or is in the on position, it connects both motors to the power supply. Master switch 288 remains closed throughout the playing of the entire series of records. Master switch 288 is then opened automatically by a shut-down device to be described hereinafter.

Switch 28| operating the motor driving the record changing mechanism is automatically closed at the finish of the playing of each side of a record, and is automatically opened at the completion of each record changing cycle. Switch 28| remains closed, or in its "on position when master switch 288 is opened after the last record of the series has been played. Thus, the record changing cycle may be completed whereupon master switch 288 is once again closed preparatory to playing a new series of records.

should master switch 288 be manually opened during the playing of a record, switch 28| would be in its open position. Means have been provided for manually closing switch 201. At the same time, master switch 200 is opened to operate the record changing mechanism. Such movement is derived by a crank 202 on the spindle knob 54, as seen in Figure 22. Crank 202 is connected to the operating button of both master switch 200 and switch 201 by lever 203. The button of master switch 200 is operated by bell crank lever 204, pivoted at 205. Connecting lever 203 is connected with bell crank lever 204 by a pin 206 thereof engaging slot 201 of connecting lever 203. The button of record changing mechanism switch 201 is operated by lever 208 pivoted intermediate its length at 210. Lever 208 is connected with lever 203 by a lost motion connection 211, similar to the lost motion connection 206, 201 on bell crank lever 204. The lost motion connection between connecting lever 203, bell crank 204 and lever 208, permits free automatic operation of switches 200 and 201.

Switches 200 and 201 are both manually operated through knob 54. Knob 54 has three positions, namely, Stop, "Start, and Reject, as indicated in Figure 22. As indicated above, switch 201, which controls the record changing mechanism, should be closed each time a record has been played to the end. This is automatically done through a modified trip switch mechanism. Towards this end, spindle 212 is provided with a striker 213. Striker 213 rotates in a clockwise direction with phonograph motor spindle 212.

When tone arm 30 moves inwardly during the playing of a record, this clockwise movement is trasmitted to lever 214 in the following manner: Arm 181 moves together with tone arm 30, transmitting its movement to ring 183, which in turn is connected with lever 215. Lever 215 is connected with plate 2115, pivoted at 211. Plate 216 carries lever 214 along by friction. Knockoff lever 218 is pivoted at 220, to the free end of lever 214. Biasing spring 221 tends to turn knock-off lever 218 in a clockwise direction. Hence when the needle of the pick-up moves over the record and finally runs into the usual run-oil groove in the record, knock-01f lever 218 is moved into the path of movement of striker 213, as shown in Figure 16. The end of knockoff lever 218, opposite striker 213, contains a pin 1 222 that engages cut-out 223 of lever 208.

The engagement of striker 213 with knock-off lever 218 causes the latter to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, which in turn rotates lever 208 in a clockwise direction through pin 222 and slot 223. The clockwise rotation of lever 208 causes the button of switch 201 to move from the off to the on position, closing switch 201. The record changing mechanism motor is consequently connected to its power supply.

When the same, or another record is again in the playing position, switch 201 is automatically opened to disconnect 1e changing mechanism motor from its power supply, stopping the operation of the changing mechanism. This automatic operation is produced in the following manner: Pawl 224, pivoted to the end of lever 225, is adapted to engage a ledge 228 provided on the lowermost arm of lever 208. Lever 225 is rigidly connected to shaft 221. Arm 228 which rides over cam 230 is secured to shaft 221. Cam 230 is secured to stub shaft 56, and is so formed as to move lever 225 to the right until pawl 224, pivoted thereon, engages ledge 226 on lever 208, as shown in Figure 15. This causes lever 208 to be turned in a counter-clockwise direction and opens switch 201 to disconnect the motor power supply. This position is shown in Figure 16.

As long as pawl 224 engages ledge 228 of lever 208, the latter is not free to again close switch 201. Pawl 224 is accordingly withdrawn from engagement with ledge 226 when lever 225 reaches its extreme position. This is effected by causing the free end 231 of pawl 224 to engage fixed stop 232. The engagement causes pawl 224 to turn on its pivot and disconnect from ledge 226, as shown in Figure 16.

S hut-down arrangement When all the records of a series have been played, and the last record has been removed from turntable 33 and dropped into storage receptacle 113, switches 200 and 201 are automatically opened, disconnecting both motors from the power supply. This position is shown particularly in Figure 18. To open master switch 200, lever 204 is turned on its pivot 205 by lever 233 rigidly attached to shaft 234. Lever 233 carries a pivoted pawl 235. Pawl 235 is arranged to engage with a projection at the end of lever 204, causing it to turn in a clockwise direction on pivot 205.

Pawl 235 is withdrawn from engagement with the projection on lever 204 when the overthrow movement of the switch button occurs at the end of the movement of lever 233, in order to leave master switch 200 free to be closed manually.

This is effected simultaneously with the over-' throw movement by causing pawl 235 to turn on its pivot and disengage with the coacting projection of lever 204. The action is substantially the same for both switches 200 and 201. The movement of lever 233 to bring its pawl 235 into engagement with lever 204 is derived from a further arm 238, seen in Figures 14 and 18. Arm 238 is mounted on shaft 234. When arm 238 is rotated, it causes a corresponding rotation of lever 233.

Crank 240 rigidly attached to shaft 234 produces the rotary movement in it. Crank 240 is turned in a clockwise direction by arm 238 freely mounted on shaft 234. Arm 238 engages abutment 241 of crank 240. Turning movement is imparted to arm 238 by cam follower 242 mounted on the free end of arm 238. Follower 242 is arranged to engage with cam 243. Normally cam follower 242 is held out of the path of movement of cam 243 by a light spring 244 mounted between crank 240 and arm 238. Simultaneously, spring 244 keeps arm 238 out of engagement with abutment 241 on crank 240.

A preliminary movement in a clockwise direction is imparted to arm 238 to bring its edge into engagement with abutment 241 on crank 240 and at the same time to bring cam follower 242 into the path of movement of cam 243. The preliminary movement is imparted by lever 245, shown also in Figure 25. Lever 245 is secured to shaft 246, the upper end of which carries a lever 241.

- Cam 243, secured to cam sleeve 68, rotates lever 245 in predetermined intervals in a counterclockwise direction. During this rotation, the tip of lever 245 engages with cam follower 242 on arm 238, causing it to turn about shaft 234.

Operation of master switch 200 is prevented as long as a record is in position in the magazine by a. shut-down arm 53. When shut-down arm 53 is rotated, it engages the edge of a record positioned in the magazine to interrupt the turning movement of lever 245 before its lower end engages cam follower 242. Shut-down arm 53 is rigidly connected with shaft 248 rotatably mounted in motorboard 32. Shut-down arm 53 projects sufficiently above the motor-board to be in alignment with the edge of the lowermost record in the magazine. Shut-down arm 53 normally rests clear of the record edge.

A crank 250 with a pin 25i is secured to the lower end of shaft 248. Pin 25! is engaged by lever 281 to effect its rotation. When lever 245 is rotated in a; counter-clockwise direction, lever 241 is rotated in a similar direction, causing shutdown arm 53 to move inwardly towards the recrd in the magazine, through the action of crank 25!]. When there is a record in the magazine, the inward movement of shut-down arm 53 is interrupted, preventing full counter-clockwise rotation of lever 265. Master switch 288 is then not operated.

However, if no record is in the magazine, the inward movement of shut-down arm 53 is uninterrupted. Lever 245 is then consequently free to be rotated fully in its counter-clockwise direction. Thus, the tip of lever 245 engages with cam follower 242, which in turn causes cam 243 to rotate lever 238. Lever 238 then rotates lever 233, whereupon its pawl 235 engages with switch lever 254 to open master switch 208.

Control for record support arm Details of the system for swinging record supporting arm 58 below the records in magazine 35. clear of the edges of the records, is illustrated in Figure 25. Record supporting arm 50 is secured to shaft 255. Shaft 255 is rotatably supported in the motor-board. The lower end of shaft 250 carries pinion 256 which meshes with reciprocatably mounted rack 251. Rack 251 is pivoted to one arm of bell crank lever 258. The other arm of lever 258 rides over cam 26!]. Cam 260 is secured to cam sleeve 58. Rotation of cam 260 produces a rocking movement of bell crank lever 258, causing the displacement of rack 251. When rack 251 is displaced, it in turn swings record supporting arm 58 through the action on pinion 256.

Record repeat arrangement The phonograph of the invention is arranged so that playing on one side of a record may be repeated any desired number of times. purpose, the record changing mechanism is rendered inoperative but the pick-up arm control remains operative. Towards this end, cam group 10 controlling the record changing mechanism is mounted as a unit on cam sleeve 68, explained hereinabove in connection with Figure 23. Cam group 61, for controlling the movement of the pick-up arm, is mounted separately on a stub shaft 66. Cams 61 and 18 are independently driven.

Cam group 10 is connected with driving shaft 68 through manually operable clutch 265 seen in Figures 23 and 24. Clutch 265 may be operated to disconnect the driving of cams 10 when it is desired to repeat the playing of one side of a record. Cam sleeve 68 is mounted freely on drive shaft 60. The drive from shaft 68 to cam sleeve 68 is transmitted through the clutch generally indicated at 265. The driven portion of clutch 265 is formed integral with cam sleeve 68. Its driving portion 266 is slidably mounted .on shaft 68. Driving clutch portion 266 is positively driven by shaft 60 through pawl 265 en- For this gaging notched disc 268 secured to driving shaft 60 Clutch 265 is freed by causing free end 21!) of pawl 261 to rotate in a clockwise direction to disengage pawl 261 from notched disc 268. When it is desired to free the clutch, a stop 21! is moved into the path of arm 216. Stop 21! is carried by one end of lever 212, as shown in Figure 22. Lever 212 is connected with the sleeve on operating knob 56 by lever 213. When operating knob 56 is in the position of Figure 22, stop 21! is moved into the path of arm 210, disengaging clutch 265. To assist in the freeing of clutch 265 a suitable overthrow device is provided on sleeve 88, operated by cam 215 in a manner not shown in the drawings. Cam 215 serves to give a final turning movement to record changing cam group 18, insuring complete disengagement of clutch 265.

Control for playing one or both. sides of a record Knob 51 determines whether one or both sides of a positioned record is to be played. The mechanism to effect the control is shown in Figures 14, 19 and 22. Ihe sleeve of knob 51 is connected with reciprocatably mounted lever 28!). Lever 288 is connected with bell crank lever 28! by pin-and-slot connection 282. Bell crank lever 28! is connected with lever 283, which in turn is secured to crank 284. Arm 285 rotates with crank 234. Cam follower 286 rides over cam 260. Arm 285 has an upstanding projection 281 adapted to cooperate with arm 288 secured to shaft 221.

When operating knob 51 is set for the playing of only one side of a record, lever 285 is in the position shown in Figure 19. Lever 285, when in such position, cannot interfere with the rotation of arm 288. Switch 26! will thus be disconnected in the manner described above due to the action of cam 23:). However, when operating knob 51 is set for the playing of both sides of the record, arm 285 is moved towards arm 288 on shaft 221, as shown in Figure 22. Arm 285 in such position interferes with the clockwise rotation of arm 268. Pawl 224 on lever 225 accordingly cannot engage with ledge 226 of lever 288. Consequently, switch 28! will not be disconnected and the full record reversing cycle will take place.

Knob 55, shown in Figure 22, is used to adjust the speed of the turntable motor. Knob 55 is connected with lever 290 by crank 29!. The movements of lever 29!! are transferred to lever 292, which in turn controls the speed of the turntable motor.

Although I have described in detail a preferred embodiment for carrying out the various functions and operations of the invention, it is to be understood that modifications therein, falling within the broader spirit and scope thereof, may be practiced by those skilled in the art, and accordingly, I do not intend to be limited except as set forth in the following claims.

I claim:

1. Mechanism for supporting and delivering a stack of disc records from above to a turntable of a phonograph comprising fa series of laterally displacgvble vanes. mounted above the turntable for individually supporting one edge ofeach of a plurality of records comprising a stack, a laterally swingable arm mounted adjacent the turntable for normally supporting the record stack in association with said vanes, and an elevator mounted adjacent the turntable for periodical- 

